The Sunday News
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Business Correspondent
ONE of the country’s thriving tour and leisure companies, Silwane Tours and Safaris has diversified its operations to cater for youth and families to visit Bulawayo’s tourism attractions this festive season.
Buoyed by support from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority’s (ZTA) local tourism campaign, #ZimBHO #Vakatsha, the Bulawayo-based company plans to revive how residents can enjoy touring nearer where they stay.
ZTA, through its tourism business unit has from time to time assisted tour and leisure companies to consider tailor packaging services and activities that attract young people and promote family travel.
Young people between the ages of 15 and 35 are counted as the main clients in tourism as they are more involved in leisure and travel.
With the Covid-19 pandemic having forced people to lessen travel and stay at home, families now yearn to spend quality time together. Tour and travel were seen as the best way to promote the family unit as well.
Around the City of Bulawayo places that the young can enjoy and for families to take time out are plenty but most prefer the view of nature on the outskirts of the city.
Silwane Tours and Safaris, is one city firm that wants to tap into that market niche.
The company director, Mr Sikhawuliso Sibanda, said they packaged tour activities that will suit local travel enthusiasts at a time when the industry is trying to pull out of the woods.
“What is in store for the visitors during this festive season is a package that has never been experienced before,” said Mr Sibanda in an interview.
He said the Government’s policy to push for domestic tourism was long overdue.
“Silwane Tours using its subsidiary Silwane Nature Reserve, has planned a string of events mostly pointing on the direction of addressing the youth needs and family reunions.
Considering the trying times whereby the world is grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, life in tourism shall never be the same. Silwane Nature Reserve is located 10km along Bulawayo-Victoria Falls Road, the nature reserve is a home to flora and fauna,” said Mr Sibanda.
Mr Sibanda, who is also an active member of the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ), said they will be hosting a bumper of activities during this festive season.
He said the reopening of domestic tourism gave his company time to get new ideas to prop up the industry, while at the same time prevent the spread of Covid-19.
“The opening up of domestic tourism has seen our organisation coming up with more ideas that seek to address the limitations brought about by the pandemic.
“Outdoor activities in this summer seem more favourable to many as there is ample space to run and follow World Health Organisation’s Covid-19 prevention guidelines.”
ZTA spokesperson Mr Godfrey Koti told Sunday Business last week that the #ZimBHO #Vakatsha campaign was in full support of initiatives that promote visits in places adjacent to big towns.
“Being out in open spaces of attraction is what we highly recommend, given the strict rules on social distancing.
Local tourism must start close to where we stay. We have to get to know our surroundings as locals and what a better way to do so than through the #ZimBHO #Vakatsha campaign,” said Mr Koti.
Silwane Nature Reserve, counts as one of the few that offer city dwellers a chance to view the wild and appreciate the lush green of indigenous trees that line up along Umguza River.
The other nature reserve is the Tshabalala Sanctuary run by the Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Authority.
Mr Sibanda said they make use of business synergies in order to promote industry value chain and profitability.
“We have deliberately engaged and partnered with a lot of organisations that are looking at upholding the conservation and tourism concept.”
He said they have also packaged a service that will attract women in business.
“We have what we call a ‘Rich Aunties’ scene that is a place where women in business can openly discuss their enterprises while having some barbeque and drinks.
“Pastors and elders in the church are on our client list as we offer bush dinners for them too,” said Mr Sibanda.
